Amidst the challenges of living in a sad and broken world, Mother's Day is not always cotton candy sweet. There are women who have lost their mothers. Women whose relationships with their mothers are strained or broken. Women who do not have children or who have suffered the loss of a child. The year that we lost our Kara Joy, Mother's Day was a painful day.
Motherhood is not something that is automatic. It is not a given, nor is it our right.
But, if you have been given this grace, the privilege and responsibility that is motherhood, then what you do with this gift is of eternal significance!
Mothering is hard and important work and is worthy of honor.
Mothering is hard and important work and is worthy of honor.
On Sunday, we gathered together to celebrate and honor the mothers in our family.
This view from my kitchen window is a wonderful sight!
I think this was Paul's first time at the Big Kid table. His mommy noted that it was not a "baby" bite he was taking from his roll!
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| My darling great-nieces, Ivy and Isabel |
We took a photo of each mother with her children . . .
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| Mom and her daughters |
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| My sister Linda with two of her three children: Amy and Alec |
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| My niece Amy with Isabel and Ivy |
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| Our daughter Kristin with her children (l to r) Maddie, Gavin, Alaine, Baby Macie, Ben, Owen |
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| Our daughter-in-law Sarah with her children (l to r) Nora, Paul, Peter, Eve |
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| Ron's mom with one of her eight |
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| Me with my children: Kristin, Kati, Ryan, Bekah |
This was the very best of gifts: my grandchildren's sweet and beautiful voices blended to sing a prayer, "Teach Us to Love," accompanied by Bekah on the piano. It was so beautiful, and it fills my mama-heart (and my gran-heart) to know that their hearts and minds are being filled with spiritual truth.
And, of course, the day would not have been complete without one of our favorite games: Wrapping Paper Antics. 😁
My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother;
For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.
Proverbs 1:8, 9
what a lovely celebration! ♥
ReplyDeleteYour wonderful, loving family times always bring a big smile to my face. Paul is at the big kid table now? Wow. And when did Eve get so tall? Love Ron's smile as he stands by his cute mama. Love your mom's sweet smile. She is obviously proud of her girls. I saw a hand grabbing Ben so traced it down and found it to be Macie's. Ha! So cute. Okay, you're all a bunch of cutie pies.
ReplyDeleteLOVED seeing all your sweet pictures of the mama's with their kids! And the pictures with the kids through the window were darling! And noticed all the tye dyed shirts too! Glad you had such a nice celebration!
ReplyDeleteI love how you take those mother/children photos each Mother's Day I think--a lovely tradition and fun to look back on!
ReplyDeleteI love all the photos! Such beautiful faces and hearts!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious day you surely spent celebrating the mothers in your family. Wonderful family photos as always! Those grands are all growing so fast!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious blessing, Cheryl, to hear your grandchildren singing to our Lord. That would be my greatest joy too. Lovely photos of the family - and looks like such a joyous time!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your thoughts about Mother's day and the challenges of it and the honor of being a mother, too. Well said and it looks like all the mother's at your home were honored well. Love the children singing to the Lord. Your home was joyfully full!
ReplyDeleteThe photo of your grands at the table is priceless, Cheryl! The sweet bear sure looks happy to be included. I always enjoy seeing your family celebrations and wonder how in the world you are able to entertain and get beautiful photos as well. Wrapping paper antics sure looks like fun. Such happy blessings in the Pineapple House, my friend. ♥
ReplyDeleteFamily is such a precious gift from God, and worth celebrating. Looks like a happy time was had by all.
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